Dragons flying the flag in Europe for Welsh Pro Rugby

Pro Rugby Wales and the Welsh Regions wish the Newport Gwent Dragons the very best in their high profile European Challenge Cup semi-final against Edinburgh (Fri 17th KO 7.45pm) at the BT Murrayfield Stadium.

Mark Davies, Chief Executive of Pro Rugby Wales said: “Our very best wishes go to the Newport Gwent Dragons at one of the biggest fixtures in their history as a Welsh Region.

“It is a fantastic achievement for them to be part of a high profile European semi-final and just reward for the hard work and commitment the Dragons have made over a number of years to develop their team and invest heavily in youth.

“It is really positive to see everyone involved at Rodney Parade enjoying this exciting opportunity with the underlying message that investment and development in young Welsh talent is a crucial part of our role and future success as a rugby nation.

“Nurturing and retaining our Welsh talent needs to be a top priority for all of us in the game.

“We’ve seen the success of working together with partner clubs in the Principality Premiership and how that helps bring through players as well as the important contribution that grassroots clubs make in inspiring the younger generation.

“Tonight the Dragons are flying the flag for Welsh pro rugby as a whole and while the four Regions may be fierce rivals on the field – as we’ll see next weekend at Judgement Day – off the field we are aligned and focused on our collective responsibility to professional rugby in Wales. We are all 100% behind the Dragons tonight.”

The Newport Gwent Dragons make only one change and one positional change to the side that beat Leinster last weekend for their trip to Edinburgh.

Fullback Jason Tovey retains his place in the back three and is joined by International wings Tom Prydie and Hallam Amos. The centre pairing also remains the same with Tyler Morgan and Jack Dixon being named in the starting XV. Fly-half Dorian Jones and scrum-half Jonathan Evans have also got the nod to keep their places in the team for the semi-final.

The front row has two changes made to it as Brok Harris moves across to loose-head prop and Dan Way steps in as tight head prop, they are joined by hooker and Captain T. Rhys Thomas. The second row remains the same as last weekend as James Thomas and Cory Hill take up their positions. The back row then consists of flankers Nick Crosswell and Nic Cudd; they are joined by Welsh International number 8 Taulupe Faletau.